Compound plasma configuration, and method and apparatus for generating a compound plasma configuration

ABSTRACT

A compound plasma configuration can be formed from a device having pins, and an annular electrode surrounding the pins. A cylindrical conductor is electrically connected to, and coaxial with, the annular electrode, and a helical conductor coaxial with the cylindrical conductor. The helical conductor is composed of wires, each wire electrically connected to each pin. The annular electrode and the pins are disposed in the same direction away from the interior of the conducting cylinder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus forforming a compound plasma configuration, as well as a new compoundplasma configuration.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Background

[0004] A compound plasma configuration, also known as a PMK (PlasmaMantle-Kernel) configuration has been described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,023,065; 4,891,180; 5,015,432; and 5,041,760. The structure of the PMKis shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken from U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,065. Asdescribed in that patent, the PMK 42 has three major regions: an innerkernel 36, a vacuum field region 26, and a mantle 28. Inner kernel 36 isa single toroidal current loop. The mantle 28 is composed of ionizedmaterial and is surrounded by a fluid 10, such as an atmosphere of gas.The vacuum field region 26, separates the mantle and the kernel.

[0005]FIGS. 3 and 4 also taken from U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,065, providemore detail of the inner kernel. The plasma kernel 36 produces apoloidal magnetic field within and around it, illustrated by flux lines34. A circular surface current 38 circulates about the minor axisthroughout the volume of the toroidal kernel. These currents 38 resultin a toroidal magnetic field within the heart of the kernel 36,represented by flux lines 40.

[0006] The mantle 28 has a generally ellipsoidal shape surrounding thekernel 36, substantially as shown in FIG. 1. This configuration is asubstantially stable one in that the kernel 36 exists in a vacuum fieldregion 26 and thus does not dissipate rapidly. The kernel current alsoproduces a strong poloidal field, represented by the flux lines 34supporting the ionized particles in the mantle 28. This prevents themantle 28 from collapsing into the vacuum field region 26. However, themantle 28 is prevented from expansion because the pressure of theinternal poloidal field reaches equilibrium with a fluid pressure of theexternal fluid 10.

[0007] A weak poloidal current 44 may exist which circulates around themantle 28 threads through the center of the toroidal kernel 36 followingthe flux lines of the poloidal field generated by the kernel 36, asillustrated in FIG. 2. The poloidal current 44 results in the formationof a toroidal field within the vacuum field region 26, as illustrated byflux lines 46. The sum of the toroidal and poloidal fields is not shown.

[0008] The vacuum field region within the PMK hinders the kernel currentfrom losing conductivity due to diffusion of current particles. As aresult the kernel may exist for a period of time during which its energylosses are limited to high temperature radiation to the mantle.

[0009] The plasma configuration does not depend on any external electricor magnetic fields for its existence or stability. Rather it is similarto a charged battery in that it is able to internally store or retainmagnetic energy for a period of time depending on its conductivity,surrounding fluid pressure, and its internal energy content. The chargedparticles forming the ionized mantle generally will not penetrate theintensive poloidal field generated by the circulating current formingthe kernel. Thus physical fluid pressure can be exerted on the mantlefor compressing the mantle. However, compression of the mantle willforce compression of the poloidal field, and will result in increasingthe energy and temperature of the kernel. Accordingly, the internaltemperature and energy of the PMK, a plasma, may be increased byapplying mechanical fluid pressure to the exterior surface of themantle. If a gas or liquid is used to apply fluid pressure to themantle, particles will diffuse through and penetrate the mantle,however, these particles will become ionized as they are exposed to theintense heat radiated by the kernel. Thus, in effect, these particleswill become part of the mantle and will be unable to penetrate themagnetic field within the PMK in large quantities. Therefore, the nearvacuum conditions in the vacuum field region will be maintained by theinherent internal energy of the compound plasma configuration. Thus thePMK is unique in that it establishes an interface between mechanicalpressure- and a circulating plasma current.

[0010] Previously a PMK could be generated by creating a helical ionizedregion in a gas, and then passing a large current through this ionizedregion, as described in the prior art patents referenced above. Theresulting helical current collapses, forming the inner toroidal kernelas well as the outer mantle. However, this method inefficiently applieda large amount of energy simultaneously to a substantial volume of themedia in which the PMK would be formed. Consequently, the energy appliedto each small volume of the region was reduced, and thus the effectiveenergizing of the media was slower and required more time.

[0011] As noted, these previous processes were somewhat unreliable.Furthermore, an apparatus necessary to generate a PMK in this fashion israther complex, requiring a separate power source for generating ahelical ionized region in the gas, such as a plasma gun or a flash lamp,in addition to a high voltage source for passing current through theionized region. Furthermore, this apparatus is quite inductive from theoutset, due to its size, thus retarding the rise time of the current atinitiation.

[0012] The compound plasma configuration produced by these earliermethods also lacked in total lifetime and stability. Generally, acompound plasma configuration having closed inductive circuits, may havea decay time that is the product of its characteristic inductance andconductivity. The inductance of the plasmoids is generally fixed, andtherefore the lifetime of a ten centimeter diameter plasmoid will varywith its conductivity. The compound plasma configurations generatedpreviously had lifetimes on the order of a few microseconds.

[0013] For example, such compound plasma configurations have beendescribed in a publication by Daniel R. Wells, Paul Edward Ziajka, andJack L. Tunstall, Hydrodynamic Confinement of Thermonuclear PlasmasTRISOPS VIII (Plasma Linear Confinement), Fusion Tech. 9:83 (1986). Inthis case plasma rings were generated from two opposing plasma gunswhich were magnetically repelled towards each other and merged centrallyand co-axially with a theta pinch compression coil. When the theta pinchcoil was fired, it generated a typical compression wave from thepre-ionized background plasma. In the cases where a preexisting axialmagnetic guide field was not generated, the collapsing plasma pressurewave was timed to intercept and crush the merged magnetic plasma ring,thus forming a compound plasma configuration. This compound plasmaconfiguration was naturally compression heated to high peak pressureswhich arose from the inertially driven compression wave, igniting afusion reaction in the deuterium fuel. However, because of the veryshort lifetime (1 microsecond) of the initially merged ring, the verystrong compressional energizing of the plasma could not extend fusionreaction times sufficiently to generate a break even fusion burn. Thisdemonstrates the need for a compound plasma configuration with a greaterlifetime and stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a simple devicewhich can reliably generate a PMK.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simplemethod for generating a PMK.

[0016] A further object is to provide a device and method which canreliably and reproducibly prepare a PMK.

[0017] A further object is to provide a new compound magnetized plasmaconfiguration with a long lifetime.

[0018] A further object is to provide uses for a new compound magnetizedplasma configuration.

[0019] These objects are provided by a device, comprising a conductivecylinder having an open end, an annular electrode, a plurality of pins,and a helical conductor having an open end and comprising a plurality ofwires. The pins are each electrically connected to each of the wires,and protrude from the open end of the helical conductor. The annularelectrode is electrically connected to the conducting cylinder. Thehelical conductor is coaxial with the conducting cylinder, and the pinsare disposed away from an interior of the helical conductor and areencircled by the annular electrode.

[0020] These objects are also provided by a method of producing acompound plasma configuration, comprising driving a current through aplasma while simultaneously generating a magnetic field, and inflatingthe plasma with the magnetic field.

[0021] In addition, these objects can also be provided by a compoundplasma configuration comprising a kernel, a vacuum field region and amantle, wherein the kernel and the mantle have hyperconducting electriccurrents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of thepresent invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood from the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which likereference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughoutthe several views and wherein:

[0023]FIGS. 1 and 2 show the parts of the compound plasma configuration(PMK) formed according to the invention, and are reproduced from U.S.Pat. No. 4,023,065.

[0024]FIGS. 3 and 4, also reproduced from U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,065,provide a more detailed view of the inner toroidal kernel of thecompound plasma configuration (PMK);

[0025]FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a source and a coaxialmounting bus with the impulse circuit for generating a compound plasmaconfiguration, shown schematically.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a view of the formation end of the source.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a cut away side view of the source.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a magnified illustration of the helical conductorportion of the source.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of the coaxial mounting bus.

[0030]FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the impulse circuit.

[0031]FIG. 11 is a graphical diagram illustrating current generated bythe impulse circuit versus time.

[0032]FIGS. 12a through 12 h illustrate the inflation sequence of aplasma to form a compound plasma configuration (PMK).

[0033]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional illustration of the mantle of the PMKaccording to the invention.

[0034]FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an electrical power generatingsystem employing the invention.

[0035]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a thermal thrust engine according tothe invention.

[0036]FIG. 16 is a schematic of an inductive MHD convertor.

[0037]FIG. 17a through 17 d are graphical diagrams of vacuumfield-plasma edges.

[0038]FIG. 18 is a perspective illustration of a source.

[0039]FIG. 19 shows the parts of a PMK burner according to theinvention.

[0040]FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a PMK hyperdrive according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] An example of a device and additional supporting structures aredescribed in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates three parts: a source 100,mounted to a coaxial mounting bus 102 which in turn is connected to animpulse circuit 104. The source is the device which forms a compoundplasma configuration (PMK). The coaxial mounting bus is a convenient wayto attach the source to the impulse circuit and allow for linking of theaxial flux produced in the source through the forming PMK. The impulsecircuit is one way to drive the source in order to form a compoundplasma configuration.

[0042] The compound plasma configuration is produced at the formationend 106 of the source 100. An end on view of this formation end is shownin FIG. 6. The outermost ring is an optional insulating support cylinder108. Moving toward the center the next ring in represents an annularelectrode 111. Continuing inward, the next ring represents insulation112, which is strong, rigid, and completely fills the volume within theconducting cylinder 110 and within which is embedded a helical conductor114, both of which are shown in FIG. 7. Protruding from the helicalconductor 114 through the insulation 112 are a plurality of pins 116.Also protruding through the insulation is the annular electrode 111which is electrically connected to the conducting cylinder 110.

[0043]FIG. 7 is a cut away side view of the source 100. The generallycylindrical helical conductor 114 is composed of a plurality of equallyspaced wires 118, each wire forming a similar helical path. Preferably,the helical conductor is composed of at least three wires, mostpreferably at least 5 wires. These individual wires 118 may have aninsulating coating which may be different from the insulation 112 withinwhich the helical conductor 114 is embedded. The wires 118 together eachtraverse the full length of the helical conductor 114 in the heliformmanner described, and then constrict into a straight axial bundle 113,illustrated in FIG. 8, in the region beyond the termination ofconducting cylinder 110 at the attached conducting support disk 120. Theaxial bundle 113 is within and coaxial with insulating tube 124, thusallowing axial magnetic flux produced by the helical conductor 114during operation to link together around the conducting cylinder.

[0044] The conducting cylinder 110 is electrically connected to aconducting support disk 120, which may optionally have a slit 122 cutthrough it to help suppress currents induced by axial magnetic flux.Conducting support disk 120 has fastening holes 228 for fastening thecoaxial mounting bus 102 to the source 100. Extending through theconducting cylinder 110, through the support disk 120, and out, is aninsulating tube 124 within which an extension of the axial bundle 113attach to connector rod 126. The insulating tube may form part of theinsulation 112 within which the helical conductor 114 is embedded.Extending out from the insulating tube 124 is a connector rod 126. Theconnector rod 126 is electrically connected to the axial bundle 113, andtherefore electrically coupled to the helical conductor 114.

[0045]FIG. 8 is a magnified illustration of a helical conductor 114. Asillustrated, the wires 118 form one or more revolutions around the axis130 of the helical conductor 114, and a tangent 128 to the wires formsan angle α 132 with the axis 130 of the helical conductor 114. The angledescribes what is known in the art as helicity. Generally, helicity islow so that this angle would normally be below 30 degrees, preferably10-30 degrees. This allows for PMKs to be formed with less residualvelocity and better energy efficiency. However, this may sacrificesource life; the magnetic stress can be quite high since the helicalconductor will suffer net strong radial compression. By setting thehelicity to 45 degrees, the source currents will tend to be moreforce-free, relieving radial stress, and generally leading to a longeruseful life and the capacity for higher loadings, i.e., high power. Withthis choice of helicity, push-off velocities can be on the order of tenkilometers per second in STP air, leaving the PMK with less totalinternal energy. For forming a PMK with more kinetic energy, the angleis preferably 30-80 degrees. As the helical conductor is lengthened, thegreater the magnetic field and the more energy is transfered into thegrowing PMK. However, this increases the inductance and slows down thecurrent pulse. By considering the speed of the current pulse, and thesetwo competing factors, a length suitable to the circuit which drives thesource can be selected. The outward radial stress of high loadings onconducting cylinder 110 generally is well tolerated with a choice ofconducting materials and the support of support cylinder 108. FIG. 8also illustrates a cylinder of the insulation 112 which would be insidethe helical conductor 114 and the axial bundle 113.

[0046] The insulation 112 inside of the source may completely fill theinterior of the conducting cylinder 110 and encase the helical conductor114. For materials used for a more expensive version of this source, theinsulation 112 inside of the source may be filled with a strong, hightemperature non-porous ceramic with resistance to mechanical shock andplasma flux, which fills the interior of a refractory conductingcylinder 110 and embeds a refractory helical conductor 114. One suitablecandidate for such conducting medium is pure boron metal. For highlyloaded fusion applications the refractory conducting media may becomposed of the purified isotope, boron 11(¹¹B). The choice of materialused in the annular electrode 111 includes using the same conductingmaterial as the conducting cylinder 110. Likewise, the pins 116 may bemade of the same material as the helical conductor 114 by extending thewires 118, with any insulation removed, for a short distance beyond theinsulator 112. For materials used for a less expensive version of thissource, see the Example.

[0047]FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the source 100. Apinching coil 280 may be placed coaxially in the plane of the electrodesor just above the source 100, and can be used to pinch off and separatethe compound plasma configuration as formation has finished, in theregion where plasma sheath 192, illustrated in FIG. 12h, would beattached to the annular electrode 111. This may allow for the reductionof contaminants from the pins 116 or annular electrode 111 from enteringthe forming PMK. Furthermore, this pinching coil may also be bowlshaped, in which case it can add additional momentum to the compoundplasma configuration translating away from the source.

[0048] A section of the support cylinder 108 which would normally bepresent has been cut away (dotted line) in FIG. 18 in order toillustrate flux slots 282 and conducting cylinder 110. The flux slots282 may be formed in the conducting cylinder 110 to provide fluxproduced by the helical conductor 114 an alternate opening to morefreely link by reentering above the conducting disk 134.

[0049] A perspective of the coaxial mounting bus 102 is illustrated inFIG. 9. The coaxial mounting bus functions to electrically couple thesource 100 and the impulse circuit 104, without interfering withmagnetic fields produced by the source 100 during operation. The ends ofthe coaxial mounting bus 102 may be a front conducting disk 134 with afront hole 136 in the center, and a rear conducting disk 135 with rearhole 137. These conducting disks 134 and 135 are connected together by aplurality of conducting support rods 138. The support rods 138electrically and mechanically couple the conducting disks 134 and 135,without inhibiting the linking of magnetic flux produced by the source100 during operation.

[0050] The source 100 may be attached to the coaxial mounting bus 102and axial center pin 147 by fastening the support disk 120 to the frontconducting disks 134, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This electricallycouples the conducting cylinder 110 to the coaxial mounting bus 102. Therear conducting disk 135 is electrically coupled to the impulse circuit104. The insulating tube 124 and connector rod 126 of the back end ofthe source 140 passes through the front hole 136 in the front conductingdisk 134 and within the axial center insulator tube 149. As alsoillustrated in FIG. 5, the connector rod 126 can be electrically coupledto the impulse circuit 104 via the axial center pin 147, for example,using a swage connector 151. The electrical coupling of the axial centerpin 147 can pass through the hole 137 in the rear conducting disk 135and electrically connect to the impulse circuit 104. The frontconducting disk 134 may also have a plurality of holes 142 forattachment of the support rods 138, as well as a plurality of fasteningholes 144 for attachment to the support disk 120. For electricalcoupling to the impulse circuit 104, the rear conducting disk 135 mayhave fastening holes 145 for attachments to electrically couple to theimpulse circuit 104. The rear conducting disk may also have holes 143for attachment of support rods 138. In FIG. 5 axial insulator tube 149has been omitted in order to make visible those elements which wouldotherwise be hidden, such as the axial center pin 147, the hole in therear conducting disk 137, and the swage connector 151.

[0051] The impulse circuit 104 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 10.The impulse circuit 104 contains circuit elements connected through aparallel plate transmission line, which is composed of a ground plate288, a capacitor plate 290 and a source plate 292. A parallel platetransmission line is suitable for high power applications, oralternatively, a bundle of coaxial cables could be substituted for theparallel plate transmission line. The ground plate 288 is continuous andconnects all circuit elements and ground 298. The high voltage plateconsists of two pieces, a capacitor plate 290 and a source plate 292.The capacitor plate 290 and source plate 292 may be electricallyconnected through a fast-rise high current firing switch 150. Theimpulse circuit 104 has a power supply 146, which is connected acrossthe capacitor plate 290 and the ground plate 288. The capacitor plate290 is connected to the high side of capacitor bank 148 and the highside of the firing switch 150. The ground plate 288 is connected to theground side of the capacitor bank 148 and each of the elements connectedto the source plate 292. The source plate 292 connects the low voltageside of the firing switch 150 to the high voltage side of the crowbarswitch 152, and is electrically coupled to the source 100 through thecoaxial mounting bus 102. The low side of the crowbar switch 152 and theconducting cylinder 110 are electrically coupled coaxially to the groundplate 288, the latter via axial center pin 147. Optionally, along theelectrical coupling between the high voltage side of capacitor bank 148and the capacitor plate 290 may be a fuse 156. FIG. 10 also includesplasma 158 produced during operation.

[0052] The impulse circuit is principally a modified LC circuit, for thepurpose of achieving a rectified current waveform. This may be achievedthrough the use of crowbar switches or by balancing the inductance andcapacitance of the circuit against the inductive load of the formingplasma. The capacitor bank supplies stored energy in the form of chargeat a high potential to drive high current levels to the source anddeveloping compound plasma configuration. The low inductance parallelplate transmission line, and low inductance circuit elements, includingthe high current switch, allow the total stored charge to drive a fastrising current pulse through the source and developing compound plasmaconfiguration. At peak current, the circuit energy is storedmagnetically in proportion to the distributed inductance of the circuitelements. More of the circuit inductance may be concentrated in theforming PMK during its maturing stages of development. This will havethe effect of retarding the current of the circuit, producing a waveformin which the current is depleted more quickly, as shown in FIG. 11.Although the current may be dropping with time, the effective energystored within the increasing inductive load of the maturing PMKcontinues to increase. Near the peak of the current pulse, the crowbar(shorting) switch, or bank of such switches, is used to shunt thecurrent across a transmission line between the capacitor bank and theremaining circuit components. This procedure traps or locks the circuitenergy in the magnetic (high current) mode, thus thwarting the loss ofmagnetic energy from the maturing compound plasma configuration.

[0053] Shunting the current across the transmission line between thecapacitor bank and the remaining circuit components hinders circuitcurrent reversal, or ringing, by inhibiting the circulating current fromrecharging the capacitors, in conjunction with the increasing inductanceof the forming PMK, significantly extending the lifetimes of thecapacitors. The current wave form is almost lightning-like with a veryfast rise time or leading edge and followed by a monotonicallydecreasing decay time, where the rate of drop decreases due to therising inductance load of the maturing compound plasma configuration.

[0054]FIG. 11 is a graphical diagram illustrating current generated bythe impulse circuit versus time. As used in this application,bactrian-shape means exactly the shape of the current versus time curveof FIG. 11. The letters on the time axis correspond to the formationstages of the compound plasma configuration illustrated in FIGS. 12athrough 12 h. Once the capacitor bank has been charged, the firingswitch is closed, allowing current to flow through the impulse circuit,and the source, breaking down the fluid and forming a plasma annulusbetween the annular electrode and the pins. This drives current throughthe helical conductor, through the pins, through the conductingcylinder, as well as through the plasma present between the pins and theannular electrode. The current which passes through the helicalconductor also generates and partitions magnetic fields, both an axialor solenoidal field in the z direction along the axis and within thevolume of the helical conductor, and an azimuthal field within thevolume between the helical conductor and the conducting cylinder. Theaxial field generated within the helical conductor extends outwardlyfrom both ends of the helical conductor, and links externally to theconducting cylinder. At one end, this magnetic flux passes throughcoaxial mounting bus and at the other end it passes outward through ahole defined by the pins and the inner rim of the plasma annulus.Essentially, this flux does not cut the surface of the plasma annulus orthe conducting cylinder. The azimuthal magnetic field exerts pressure onthe conducting cylinder, the helical conductor and the plasma annulusand its radial current, inflating the plasma to initiate formation of aseries of stages of PMK formation, to produce a compound plasmaconfiguration, and illustrated in FIGS. 12a through 12 h.

[0055] The impulse circuit described here lies at a low level of energyand peak power in comparison with the far higher range of energy andpeak power currently used in the field.

[0056] Furthermore, there are Marx generators, and inductively drivenpulse generator, for example, technology which may be used to drive asuitably scaled source.

[0057] For very high energy cases, conventional fuses or delayedinductive opening switches may optionally be employed to extinguish theremaining current and isolate the source from the newly formed PMK latein the discharge, as indicated in FIG. 11. Such a device may also beemployed with a resistive bypass. This will have the effect of reducingthe current after energy transfer into the forming compound plasmaconfiguration. Consequently, there may be a reduction in the amount ofblow off plasma and therefore less wear on the source.

[0058] The compound plasma configuration of the present inventioncomprises a kernel 36, a vacuum field region 26, and a mantle 28, asmentioned above, and may be established in the same type of gaseousenvironments as described in the earlier referenced patents of the sameinventor. However, the unique formation method and apparatus of thepresent invention provide the resulting PMK with different structuralcharacteristics than that of the previously disclosed PMKs. The presentinvention has a rather small volume between the pins and the annularelectrode, so the energy of the circuit is deposited initially in asmall volume. Consequently the present invention has very high powerdensity. In contrast, the previous devices deposited their energy acrossa large volume, resulting in low power density. The PMKs formed by thepresent invention gain higher conductivity faster, as well as moreenergy quickly, because the power density is so concentrated.

[0059] A detailed cross section of the mantle 28 is shown in FIG. 13.The cross section of the mantle can be viewed as having two principalsections, when surrounded by fluid 10, rather than a plasma. Theinnermost section is the ionized region 166 and the outer section is theweakly ionized region 168. When formed in air, each region of the mantlehas layered plasma regimes which form a radial gradient in the mantleplasma, and is arranged in descending order from highest energy(innermost layer) to lowest energy (outermost layer). When formed in aninert gas which does not form molecules, layer differentiation issimpler.

[0060] The ionized region has a sharp edge 170 which is itself composedof a wider outer (vacuum region side) predominately ion layer 172 and athinner inner (plasma side) predominately electron layer 174, as shownin the magnified view within FIG. 13. This sharp edge has a boundarywhich is nearly a perfect step function from mantle 28 to a vacuum fieldregion 26. It acts as a close approximation to the results anticipatedunder the ideal of a step function. This boundary may be slightlydiffuse, in a degraded PMK, due to the presence of impurities such asdust, poor formation or nearness to the end of the lifetime of the PMK.

[0061] Continuing outward from the electron layer 174 is a hot layer176, a photo ionized plasma 178 and finally a divergence layer 180. Thedivergence layer 180 is the layer farthest from the kernel 36, intowhich the majority of the fully ionizing radiation from the kernel canpenetrate. The bulk of the ionizing radiation from the kernel plasma isabsorbed in the divergence layer 180 due to the influx through theweakly ionized region 168 by diffusion of the excited high capture crosssection neutrals.

[0062] The weakly ionized region 168 has an innermost photo excitedlayer 182, and a mixed plasma fluid edge 184. This layer may containionized molecules and is enclosed by the fluid 10, such as a gaseousatmosphere.

[0063]FIGS. 12a through 12 h illustrate the inflation sequence of aplasma to form a compound plasma configuration (PMK). The formationsequence, once properly triggered and set under the proper conditions,as taught by the invention, proceeds automatically. FIG. 12a illustratesthe triggering stage of PMK formation, showing an initial plasma annulus186, with diverging solenoid field 188 protruding through a central hole190 in the plasma annulus 186. The plasma annulus forms between the pins116 and the annular electrode 111, neither of which are shown in FIGS.12a through 12 h, for clarity. The plasma annulus is formed when animpulse current is initially fed to the source 100.

[0064]FIG. 12b illustrates the plasma ballooning stage of PMK formation,formed by the forces of the azimuthal field 198 upon the plasma annulus186. This ballooning stage is similar to the plasma focus, which is wellknown by artisans skilled in the art of plasma physics, except that theaxial magnetic field 196 is trapped within the newly formed centralchannel 194, which prevents pinch-off of channel 194 by compression dueto the surrounding azimuthal field 198. Therefore, in the plasmaballooning stage, a plasma sheath 192 and central channel 194 are formedfrom the plasma annulus 186. The current passing through the source 100and the plasma annulus 186 generate an axial magnetic field 196 whichthreads through a central channel 194. An internal azimuthal field 198is formed which fills the plasma cavity 199 and impinges upon the facingsurfaces of the plasma channel 194 and plasma sheath 192. Both fieldsproduce pressure against the surface of the central plasma channel 194.In the region of pins 116 at the terminus 195 of the central channel194, the plasma remains resistive and turbulent during the formation,allowing some mixing of the azimuthal 198 and axial fields 196. Thismixing drives powerful vortex flows in the plasma, which can erode thepins 116. By making the pins 116 blade-like with their edges alignedwith the flow of the vortex, a reduction in drag and ablation may occur.

[0065]FIG. 12c illustrates the linear Z-pinch stage of PMK formation. Inthis stage, the plasma sheath 192 continues to inflate, and the centralchannel 194 elongates. The elongation of the central channel 194 withits attendant high current and azimuthal field 198 and trapped axialfield 196 resembles the stabilized classical linear Z-pinch. The plasmacavity 199 continues to expand rapidly, mostly by growing in length, aslong as magnetic energy is pumped into it. This stage may occur when thecircuit current has reached its maximum value, approximately at 162 inFIG. 11.

[0066]FIG. 12d illustrates the helical stage of PMK formation. As thecentral channel 194 continues to lengthen, a second instability (M=1)comes into play, which triggers slowed kinking of the central channel194 due to the embedded axial field 196. A nearly uniform helicalwinding of the growing central channel 194 produces plasma channel helix200. As this process continues, the growing helix 200 increases thecircuit inductance, reducing the circuit current level while increasingthe energy of the forming PMK. A poloidal field component, illustratedby flux lines 202, which links the helix 200 together, becomes dominant.Dominance of the poloidal field 202 is associated with the tilting ofthe azimuthal field 198 and the increase in helicity of the centralchannel 194 in the region of the helix 200. The winding process, drivenby magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) forces, i.e., the interaction of theconducting fluid (the plasma) with magnetic and electric fields, twiststhe central channel 194 into a helix 200. The lengthening and formationof this helical geometry increases the inductance and increases thelocal magnetic energy and pressure, which acts upon the plasma,producing a plasma sheath 192 with a more plumped profile in theneighborhood of helix 200, as illustrated at 203.

[0067]FIG. 12e illustrates the coalescent stage of PMK formation. Oncemultiple loops 205 of the helix 200 exist they begin to contract intothe mid-plane of the helix 200. This action is driven by the MHD forcesof the poloidal magnetic field 202 on the loops 205 of the helix 200which forces the helix 200 to form a tighter coil with increasedhelicity. The growing helix 200 continues to contract into the mid-planeof the helix 200 and also expand outward. The vertical contraction andradial expansion forces are strongest at the mid-plane of the helix 200due to the increased mutual flux density. Finally the loops 205 withinthe mid-plane begin coalescence in to an initially resistive plasma ring204, thus forming a closed current circuit within the plasma ring 204,which is driven by the poloidal field 202 of the coalescing helix 200,as illustrated in FIG. 12f.

[0068] Once the plasma ring 204 is first formed, all of its flux,including that of the linked uncoalesced loops 205 of the helix 200, is“trapped” within the plasma ring 204 and is no longer available to drivecurrent in the external circuit. The contraction of the helix 200increases the magnetic coupling in the plasma ring 204, driving an EMFthat accelerates the electron current of the plasma ring (azimuthalcurrent 208 and poloidal current 211) to energetic or relativisticvalues, illustrated in FIG. 12g. The increase in intensity of the flux210 results from substantial loss of the azimuthal field 198 componentwithin the plasma ring 204. This effect also provides an EMF whichdrives runaway azimuthal currents 208 at the inner surface of theforming mantle, to relativistic values. These processes generate EMFs onthe order of tens of kilovolts per loop. Since the closing time is onthe order of many microseconds, which allows many revolutions tomultiply the per loop EMF, high gamma runaway currents of many millionelectron volts are produced. The resulting energetic electron currents208 and 211, on the order of ten gamma, are associated withconductivities, known as hyperconductivity, of at least about five orsix orders of magnitude greater than either copper or thermal plasmaconductivities. In the present invention the conductivity is preferablyat least 10¹⁰ (ohm-cm)⁻¹, more preferably at least 10¹¹ (ohm-cm)⁻¹, mostpreferably at least 10¹² (ohm-cm)⁻¹. With the collapsed azimuthal field198 and plasma of the straight section of the central channel 194, theneighboring plasma sheath 192, closes inward driven by the fluid 10. Theportion of the central channel that does not coalesce into the ringcurrent, dissipates rapidly, as indicated at 209. This completes theformation of the stable and distinctive compound plasma configuration,or PMK, 42, illustrated in FIG. 12h.

[0069]FIG. 12h illustrates the compound plasma configuration of thepresent invention. Both the kernel 36 and the mantle 28 havehyperconducting currents. In addition to the parts already described,the PMK 42 has two axi-symmetric polar magnetic cusps 296. Thesemagnetic cusps 296 eject remnant central channel plasma, as well asdivergence layer generated plasma, which act as polar end plugs 294.

[0070] The compound plasma configuration of the present invention isdistinct from those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,023,065; 4,891,180;5,015,432; and 5,041,760 as well as those partially described by Wellset al. The distinct PMK of the present invention has a lifetime andstability orders of magnitude greater, because the currents have adramatically higher conductivity, also termed hyperconductivity.Distinguishing features between the previous compound plasmaconfiguration and that of the present invention include a sharp edgebetween the plasma and the vacuum field region 26, both between themantle 28 and the vacuum field region 26, as well as between the kernel36 and the vacuum field region 26. Other differences include: theability to produce high pressure confinement fields using much highercurrent densities, but without excessive destabilization due to themagneto-plasma heating rates; the ability to use mantle plasma formedover its non-polar regions to capture and conserve the energy ofionizing radiation from the plasma kernel 36 to provide plasma mass,which may also act as end plugging ejecta 294 to block the incursion ofincoming diffusive neutrals into the polar magnetic cusps 296; and theability to preferentially eject higher atomic number elements and thuslessen the radiation cooling rate of the mantle 28 in a sort of naturaldiverter action.

[0071] The energy used to form the previously made compound plasmaconfiguration, having a very short lifetime and a similar size, asdemonstrated by Wells et al, exceeds by more than 100 times that used togenerate the PMK of the present invention. Furthermore, compound plasmaconfigurations of the present invention have stable lifetimes about 1000times longer.

[0072] Another distinguishing feature of the compound plasmaconfigurations of the present invention are the occurrence of knock-onbeams. These beams may appear to emanate from nodes on the equatorialbelt of the mantle, and may be visible when they excite the surroundingfluid under certain conditions. Localized low pressure at the mantlesurface may attract the nodes. For example, for a compound plasmaconfiguration with a net drift through the surrounding fluid, the beamemissions may occur on a low pressure or “down wind” side.

[0073] These emission points may also be controlled by manipulating thelocalized plasma pressure along the boundary in the mantle, such as bygas puffing, magnetic impulses, etc. The trajectory of these knock-onbeams, once they exit the mantle, can be controlled or shaped with theapplication of electric or magnetic fields. The beam currents may bemeasured, which is a reflection of the collisionality of hyperconductingcurrents of the compound plasma configuration. Furthermore, the strengthand direction of the beams may be affected by the geometry of themantle, the size and age of mantle, and the amount and type of theimpurities incorporated into the compound plasma configuration.

[0074] A dense powerful pulse of hyperconducting electrons may also bederived from the deliberate mechanical breaking, or occasionally fromthe catastrophic natural termination, of a compound plasmaconfiguration. This releases the hyperconducting currents as a highlycompact, tangentially (to their confined orbit) escaping beam. Thesebeams can be directed to produce powerful bursts of high intensityX-rays when they impact densely high atomic number elements, such aslead or tungsten. These high gamma electrons may also be used totransmute elements.

[0075] The boundary between the mantle 28 and the vacuum field region26, as well as the kernel 36 and the vacuum field region 26, has a sharpedge. FIGS. 17a-17 d provide graphical diagrams explaining the nature ofthe sharp edge at the boundary of plasma and the vacuum field.

[0076]FIG. 17a shows a thermal conducting mode profile having a diffuseedge, where T_(e) 260 is electron temperature, n_(p) 258 is plasmadensity, R_(p) 262 is the position of the peak plasma density near theboundary with the vacuum field region and r+Δr 266 is the width of thediffuse Larmor radii (overlapping) vacuum field region boundary at theextreme of the vacuum field region. This diffuse edge is associated withhigher energy transport and deeper radial electron thermal gradientsthat are more typical of a PMK made by the prior art methods, such aspartially described in Wells et al.

[0077] A compound plasma configuration of the present invention,however, has a sharp edge graphically depicted in the hyperconductingmode shown in FIG. 17b. The PMK has reduced density and electrontemperature gradients as well as a much narrower Larmor edge at theextreme vacuum field region, which is associated with clamped diffusiondue to a hyperconducting boundary current. The relativistic currents inthe compound plasma configuration of the present invention, with theirhyperconductivity, lead to the sharp edge.

[0078]FIGS. 17c and 17 d provide graphical diagrams explaining thenature of the sharp edge, and refocusing of the boundary sheet currentand maintenance of its relativistic (hyperconducting) currents. FIG. 17cshows the peak magnetic energy density B²/2μ_(o) 268 at the plasma edgeat r_(B) 264 which monotonically decays into the peak plasma densityedge at r+Δr 266 (electron Larmor radii). The ion Larmor radii extendfrom the plasma edge r+Δr 266 to R_(o) 264 in the vacuum field. The netelectric field energy density ε_(o)E²/2 272 results from the cumulativefield generated by the populations of the ions and the electrons in thisregion. The electric potentials are shown in 17 d and include a magneticaccelerating EMF δB(ω)/δt 274 which accelerates the current whosedistribution is shown as j_(r) 276 which is centered in the notchbetween the peak magnetic energy density B²/2μ_(o) 268 and the peakelectric energy density ε_(o)E²/2 272.

[0079] The dynamics for keeping the currents centered in this notch areas follows. For an electron flowing in the region of net higher magneticenergy density, the accelerating force provided by the magneticaccelerating EMF δB(ω)δt 274 exceeds the drag due to the lower particledensity in that region. Thus the electron experiences a netacceleration, producing a higher B×v force as the electron experiences anudge into the region of higher electric energy density. However, theaccelerating magnetic EMF δB(ω)/δt 274 is partially neutralized andreduced in this region by the current, and its net acceleration isdiminished. Consequently, since the current drag is increased due to thehigher particle density n_(r) 270 the electron experiences a netdeceleration in this region, which decreases the magnetic component ofthe Lorenz force and allows the electric component to predominate. Thus,the electron is nudged into the region of higher magnetic energy andlower particle density. Balance between acceleration and drag and thereduction of the net Lorenz force occurs in the mid region which isrepresented by the surface of the peak current density j_(r) 276 as wellas radial balance between the magnetic and electric pressure, allowingfor fantastic dynamic confinement. Since knock-on electrons are drivenquite directly forward when struck by high gamma current electrons, andprovided with shared kinetic energy, these too may be confined withinthe current sheet. If the number of knock-on electrons together with thecurrent electrons exceed the confinement capacity of its associatedconfining field, then the excess knock-on electrons will be expelled. Inother words, these electrons or others will be sacrificed to maintainequilibrium and will fly outward, penetrating the boundary, and providethe energetic particles present in the beams, which protrude at variousnodes, as discussed above. Of course, the exit of such beams could bemore diffuse, and in certain blanket fluids generate a glowing ringabout the plasma mantle.

[0080] Even hyperconducting electrons have collisions, but these arepredominantly confined to small angle scattering, which will produceionizing radiation. This may excite nitrogen gas, causing florescence,when embedded in a blanket fluid containing this gas. The radiation cantrigger the production of ozone and various nitrous oxides, includingeven nitrogen pentoxide, when blanketed by atmospheric air. Therefore,the distinct compound plasma configuration could be used by the chemicaland electronics industries for lithography or chemical synthesis.

[0081] A PMK has a variety of uses. Clean fusion, for the generation ofenergy compactly and with exceptionally high average power densities,which will both extend and enable additional energy applications, ismore fully described in the four above-mentioned patents. For fusion,the source may be scaled up to a larger size, and a gas blanket offusion fuel may be used as the initial blanket fluid during formation.Furthermore, the pins and annular electrode may be selected from amaterial, such as boron 11(¹¹B), which does not interfere with thefusion process. For fusion, the PMK may be formed with much more energy,for example one megajoule, using a capacitor bank charged up to 65 KV ormore, and using the appropriate capacitance to meet the desired level ofenergy of the PMK. The PMK may be precompressed using high pressure gaswith a pressure of approximately 2000-6000 atmospheres. Leveraged pistoncompression may then be used to reach higher pressures, such as 20kilobars for a p-boron 11 ignition. Even higher pressures may be usefulfor studying stellar processes; pressures as high as 90 megabars havebeen achieved using explosively driven inductive discharges at the MTFproject at Los Alamos/Aremis.

[0082] A PMK burner is illustrated in FIG. 19. PMK burners have beendescribed in the above cited patents. To accomplish the requirement forpressures higher than described in previous patents, a dual piston 308apparatus and compression cylinder 306 may be used. The volume of theburn chamber at ignition is essentially that of the combined volume ofthe scoops 310 when the compression heads 304 are essentially closed atpeak compression. Furthermore, the massive piston rod 312 will act toinertially confine the volume of the scoops 310 for a period of time onthe order of ten milliseconds, allowing an efficient burn.

[0083] Due to the small combined volume of the scoops 310, as the heads304 withdraw, two magnetically constricted aperture outlets 314 onopposing sides are exposed. This will allow for the quick escape of thefluid in the chamber 340, now a plasma, including the remnant PMKplasma, which can be directly or indirectly used in variousapplications. In FIG. 16 inductive MHD convertors 238, described below,are present at the exit of the aperture outlets 314. A strong solenoidalfield coil 318 lining each aperture will force the plasma to divertalong the axis and avoid the wall surfaces. To avoid the erosion of thepiston heads 304 and compression cylinder 306 surfaces, they can becoated with an ablatable material which will protect, and cool bysublimation, the wall surfaces of the compression heads and chamber. Asthe piston rod 312 and head 304 continue to withdraw, latchingmechanisms can be triggered to release the compression head 304 from thepiston rod 312 in the chamber 316 and disengage from the cylinder 306,allowing for their continuous or intermittent replacement.

[0084] Variable pressure source 326 can be used to precompress the PMKbefore inertial confinement, or in conjunction with the action of thepistons 308. The PMK formation chamber 232 is where the PMKs areinitially formed in the fusion fuel, prior to delivery to the chamber340. Furthermore, the PMKs may be precompressed prior to delivery to thechamber 304.

[0085] The actual dimensions of a PMK burner may vary based on the poweroutput, and therefore the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19 may varywidely in both size and load capacity. In the PMK burner pressures onthe order of 20,000 atmospheres can be obtained using inertialconfinement. When pressure is applied through adiabatic compression, theenergy concentration of the kernel of the PMK will increasedramatically, increasing the pressure, plasma density, and decreasingthe volume, resulting in an increase in temperature above criticalfusion ignition temperatures. If the initial size of the PMK is large,then a sufficient quantity of fusion fuel will be present to drive arobust burn. Fusion will occur within the burner and substantial fusionenergy will be released. Once fusion occurs, the fusion energy releasedwill supply additional energy to the PMK, and the surrounding fluid,increasing the temperature and pressure of the fluid, thereby continuingthe compression heating of the kernel and assuring continued burning toefficiently consume the fuel. This will assure an efficient output evenin the case of non-neutron yielding fuel, such as protium boron11(p-¹¹B).

[0086] To maintain a three phase operation at 60 HZ, a battery ofdevices of the type illustrated in FIG. 19 may be constructed andenergized sequentially. Thus, each device will provide energy output asits PMK burns, and as the PMK burns out and the fluid, now a plasma, isreleased, subsequent ignition and burner apparatus are started tocontinue generating power. Also, the rapid exchange of compression headscan be handled in the same manner as the exchange of barrels in aGattling gun. Thus, these elements can be taken out of the duty cycleand replaced during continuous operation. The exchanged heads can beannealed, reconditioned or even replaced, allowing for long-termcontinuous operation.

[0087] A compound plasma configuration can be used with PMK burner togenerate a highly pressurized, hot, dense, and conducting plasma whichcan be used to directly generate electricity in an inductive MHDprocess, schematically illustrated in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is an idealizedinductive MHD convertor 238 and power take-off transformer 218. Asuperconducting circuit 342 contains a solenoid 214 coupled to asuperconducting primary coil 344 of a power take-off transformer 218.The circuit also includes a bypass switch 346 and an opening switch 348which allows for external charging by a charger 350 of a substantialcurrent in the superconducting circuit 342 and the charging of asubstantial field in the superconducting solenoid 214. Since thiscurrent is in a steady-state when the inductive MHD convertor 238 is notoperating, the output bus 220 is off. Also present is a secondary coil352 of the transformer.

[0088] Hot plasma 212, from a PMK burner for example, is coaxially fedinto a magnetically energized solenoid 214. As the plasma enters thecusp of the solenoidal field of solenoid 214, it displaces the localmagnetic field laterally, compressing it against the solenoidal 214,increasing the energy of the field. This produces a driving EMF of thecurrent of circuit 342, and effectively reduces the inductance of thesolenoid 214. The current surge in the superconducting circuit 342produces an increase in the field of the flux circuit of transformer218, thus causing an EMF and transient pulse to form in the secondarycoil 352, which is seen at the output bus 220. The energy is extractedfrom the hot plasma 212 by its adiabatic expansion against the magneticfield of the solenoid 214. The resulting expansion cooled plasma exitsthe solenoid as warm plasma 216, which can then be used to drive pulseddirect currents in a cogenerator consisting of a conducting MHDconvertor, which is well known to artisans in the field of MHDtechnology. The inductive MHD convertor 238 has electric conversionefficiencies from 70-95%, depending on the fuel burned in the fusionprocess, and use of co-generation.

[0089] The inductive MHD convertor may be used as part of a system forelectric power generation. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for an electricpower generation system. Fusion fuel 230, such as boron and hydrogen, isfed into a PMK formation chamber 232. The PMK is then fed first to aprecompressor 234 and then a fusion compressor/burn chamber 236, whichmay be, for example, the PMK burner 300 described above. The hot plasmathus formed is fed into an inductive MHD convertor 238. The thermalfusion energy is converted into electricity, as well as warm plasma 216,which may be split between a conductive MHD generation 244 and adialable (passing through magnetic choke 240) plasma jet/torch 242 forapplications requiring direct thermalization. The residual deionizedplasma/gas emanating from the conductive MHD generator 244 can be fedinto a Sterling cycle electric convertor as represented by the steamelectric convertor 246. The residual gas emanating from the steamelectric convertor 246 may be recycled through the fusion compressionand burn chamber 236. The residual heat collected from the generator andconvertor elements of this system may be removed through a radiator 248.The direct current produced in the conductive MHD generator 244 is fedin along a separate path from the alternating current produced by theinductive MHD convertor 238 and the steam generator 246, to output bus220.

[0090] In a similar fashion a high thrust propulsive thermal rocketengine can be made.

[0091]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of such a thermal engine. Fusion fuel230 is fed into a PMK formation chamber 232. Atmospheric gas may be usedto resupply the compression blanket for both the precompressor 234 andthe fusion compressor/burner 236. Simultaneously, the PMK is then fedinto a precompressor 234, and then to a fusion compressor/burner 236.This allows the precompression and fusion compression bum to be carriedout with air from atmospheric air intake 250, so that air will make upthe bulk of the reaction mass 252 eventually expelled through themagnetic inductive solenoid/nozzle 254, which acts both as a directivethrust nozzle and inductive MHD convertor, in order to recover operatingenergy to drive the system. The nozzle 254 may have a superconductingsolenoid similar to the superconducting solenoid 214 of an inductive MHDconvertor 238, except the shape may be parabolic in order to recoversome of the energy of the plasma as electricity, while allowing asubstantial amount of the energy to remain in the plasma (reaction mass252) to provide thrust.

[0092] PMKs can be accelerated with an electric or magnetic accelerator,for example, a powerfully pulsed coaxial oscillating coil. Acceleratorscan be used in tandem and sequentially fired or phased to coincide withthe position of the PMK as it moves, further accelerating the PMK. Thedistinct compound plasma configuration of the present invention can alsobe used for cutting and welding, with the scale of the deviceappropriate for the welding task. For example, a rapid firing (60 HZ)PMK generator and accelerator may be used to form an energetic plasmabeam for cutting or slicing.

[0093] Similarly, a PHASER (Phased Hyperkinetic Acceleration for ShockEMP Radiation) gun can be produced, by using a phased accelerator tolaunch hyperkinetic PMKs through the atmosphere or exoatmosphere. Ahyperkinetic PMK is a PMK which is moving at a speed greater than thatof a bullet fired from a gun, but slower than {fraction (1/100)} thespeed of light. Such PMKs would act like encapsulated magnetoplasmoidbullets which could deliver EMP impulses to remote targets through theatmosphere. Preferably, a hyperkinetic PMK has a velocity of at least 1km/sec, more preferably at least 5 km/sec, most preferably at leastkm/sec. These PMKs would be held in a compressed and energetic stateduring transit to the target by the reaction pressure of the bow shockand ram compression due to deceleration. The bow shock would act as anextension of the plasma mantle and therefore become an integral part ofa modified mantle of the flying PMK. The hyperconducting currents in thekernel and modified mantle (the bow shock plasma-vacuum field boundary)would clamp the diffusion of both particle and field flux through theinner surface of the bow shock. The kernel plasma would remainmagnetically insulated until catastrophic impact with the targetoccurred. The EMP impulse delivered by such a device could be used fordefensive or safety applications, such as the interruption of thecomputer control of a runaway vehicle.

[0094] A high specific thrust rocket engine, a PMK hyperdrive, can alsobe made as shown in block diagram form in FIG. 20. The PMK hyperdrive338 is similar to the thermal engine 356 previously described, exceptthe design has been changed because of the unavailability of theatmosphere as unlimited reaction mass. Fusion fuel 230 is fed into a PMKformation chamber 232, and the PMK formed is transferred to aprecompressor 234, and then to a fusion compressor/burn chamber 236 toburn the fusion fuel. The hot plasma produced may then be fed into anelectric power generator 354, to produce electricity. The electric powergenerator 354 may have any number of stages describe for electric powergeneration in FIG. 14, such as an inductive MHD convertor 238 and aconductive MHD generator 246. Preferably the electric power generatorwould remove as much heat from the fusion burn as possible. The electricpower 336 produced by the electric power generator 354 can bedistributed as needed.

[0095] Parallel to the electric power generation, the reaction mass 330is converted into plasma 252. The reaction mass is fed into a PMKformation chamber, along with spent fuel from the electric powergenerator 354. The PMK formed in the PMK formation chamber 232 may thenbe fed to a precompressor 234 and then accelerated in the PMKaccelerator 332. The PMK may then be sent out the nozzle 334. The nozzle334 may have a superconducting solenoid similar to the superconductingsolenoid 214 of an inductive MHD convertor 238, except it would have aparabolic shape. The PMK could be electrically disrupted, such as byturbulence, to recover some of the electrical energy of the plasma aselectricity, while allowing a substantial amount of the kinetic energyto remain in the plasma reaction mass 252 to provide thrust.

[0096] The PMK hyperdrive uses a combination of power from a closedcycle electric PMK power generator and then uses that power to producepowerful continuous acceleration of PMKs for thrust. The magnetic energymay be recovered inductively as the accelerated PMKs are vectored into athrust producing beam. Such a high specific thrust or (hyper thrustrocket engine) could be used for transportation between planets and toand from planetary surfaces which contain little or no atmosphere.

[0097] Having generally described this invention, a furtherunderstanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific exampleswhich are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are notintended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE

[0098] The following is an example of an inexpensive working device. Theconducting cylinder is composed of ⅝″ copper tubing while the helicalconductor is composed of lengths of single strand 12-gauge copperelectrical wire. A half-inch insulating fiberglass reinforcedthin-walled plastic tube #124 which extends the full length of thedistance between the annular electrode plane and the connecting rod actsas an insulating spacer between conducting cylinder and helicalconductor. A vacuum potable epoxy fills the space within insulating tubeand thus embeds the helical conductor. The insulating material on the12-gauge electrical wires is excellent as a spacer between the multipleelements in the helical conductor, while the wires in the axial bundleare stripped over the length which is inserted and brazed into theconnector rod. The connector rod is composed of a ⅜″ brass plumbingstud. The insulating stress support cylinder which fits snugly over theconducting cylinder is a thick-walled fiberglass reinforced epoxy tube.

[0099] Five to eight pins are used, and the pins are simply the ends ofthe wires which form the helical conductor, stripped of any insulation.The pins are pointed in a direction which is a continuation of thehelical path of the wires in the helical conductor. At the formation endof the source the epoxy is white for intense pulse tolerance, while awayfrom the formation end of the source the protrusion of the thin walledfiberglass reinforced epoxy tube is green. The annular electrode is theend of the cylindrical conductor, protruding from the insulation.

[0100] The helix formed by each wire has approximately a single turnacross the length of the helical conductor. The angle between thetangent of the wires and the axis of the helical coil is

[0101] 10-45 degrees. The length of the helical conductor is a fewinches. The pins each are 1-3 mm long.

[0102] The parallel plates connecting the circuit elements are composedof ⅛ inch thick copper sheets 18 inches wide, with an intervening largerinsulating sheet, and are of suitable lengths to accommodate the circuitelements. The plates may have the dimensions of a foot and a half by 6or 8 feet. Six 25 to 50 microfarad 20 KV rectangular parallel pipedcapacitors are attached from their cases to the ground plate and fromtheir flat pancake insulated center pins to the capacitor plate, so thatthe parallel inductance of the bank can be maintained. The capacitorplate and source plate are connected to a coaxial spark gap or rail gapswitch of low inductance which for atmospheric work is set for airbreakdown between 7 and 12 kilovolts. Likewise, an array of 6 or 8 classA ignitrons in grounded coaxial housings are attached to the sourceplate by their axial bolts. The ignitrons are 50 to 100 kiloampere,20-25 kilovolt crowbar ignitrons. These can be equally spaced along acircular perimeter which is centered on the connecting coaxial mountingbus.

[0103] The pulse trigger for the crowbar switch should be delayed fromthe firing of the switch to occur just before peak bank current isachieved. This timing may be adjusted to optimize performance,reliability and efficiency. A series fuse may be used to preventcapacitor failure from an otherwise catastrophic short circuit. Thesemay be made in the form of fusible wire which links each center pin ofthe capacitors to the plate gap or alternately a disk composed of foilconnected in the manner of a washer from the center pin to the capacitorplate. The volume of the PMK produced with this version of the maincircuit is about 75 cm³, about the size of a chicken egg.

[0104] Just prior to firing the source, a small prepulse may be sentthrough the source. In some cases when the main circuit does not fire,the prepulse appears to have created a small airborne PMK the size of aping-pong ball, but likely with a kernel plasma of 2-3 mm diameter,judging by their approximate 10 millisecond lifetime. The prepulse isproduced by a separate circuit which is identical to the impulsecircuit, except the capacitance is a small fraction (1 μF) of the mainbank, and there is no crowbar switch.

[0105] Operation of the Invention:

[0106] First, a prepulse may be sent through the source to ionize theregion between the pins and the end of the conducting cylinder. Tens ofmicroseconds later, the firing switch is closed, sending the main pulsethrough the source. At peak current, on the order of one microsecondlater, the trigger of the crowbar switch may be fired, crowbarring thecircuit. The PMK is allowed to form and detach, where it is free to movewithin the air. Optionally, the fuse may be broken to interrupt andsmother any residual current. The PMK so formed may have some kineticenergy, outward along the axis of the source.

[0107] Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/080,580 filed on Apr. 3,1998, Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/004,287, 60/004,255 and60/004,256, all filed on Sep. 25, 1995, as well as internationalapplication PCT/US96/15474, filed Sep. 24, 1996, are all herebyincorporated by reference.

[0108] Having now fully described the invention, it will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications canbe made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention as set forth herein.

What is claimed as new and is desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A device, comprising: a plurality of pins, anannular electrode, a cylindrical conductor, electrically connected to,and coaxial with, said annular electrode, and a helical conductorcoaxial with said conducting cylinder and comprising a plurality ofwires, wherein each of said wires is electrically connected to each ofsaid pins, and said annular electrode and said pins are disposed in thesame direction away from an interior of said conducting cylinder.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 , further comprising a support cylinder coaxial with,and in contact with, said conducting cylinder.
 3. The device of claim 1or 2 , wherein said plurality of pins is at least three pins, and saidplurality of wires is at least three wires.
 4. The device of any one ofclaims 1-3, further comprising a coaxial mounting bus, wherein amagnetic field can pass through said bus when current is passing throughsaid bus.
 5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein said helicalconductor has a central axis, and a tangent to said wires has an angleof 10-80° with said central axis.
 6. The device of any one of claims1-5, further comprising a circuit electrically coupled across saidannular electrode and said pins, wherein said circuit comprises, a firstswitch electrically coupled across said annular electrode and said pins,a second switch electrically coupled in series with at least onecapacitor, and the series coupling of said second switch and said atleast one capacitor is electrically coupled in parallel with said firstswitch.
 7. A method, comprising: driving a current through a plasmawhile simultaneously generating a magnetic field; inflating said plasmawith said magnetic field while maintaining said current through saidplasma; and forming a compound plasma configuration from said plasma. 8.The method of claim 7 , wherein said driving of said current is stoppedprior to the formation of said compound plasma configuration.
 9. Themethod of claim 7 or 8 , further comprising: accelerating said compoundplasma configuration.
 10. The method of any one of claims 7-9, whereinsaid current passes through a plurality of pins and an annularelectrode.
 11. The method of any one of claims 7-10, wherein saidinflating comprises forming a plasma sheath and a plasma channel fromsaid plasma.
 12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said inflating furthercomprises forming a helix from said plasma channel.
 13. The method ofclaim 12 , further comprising collapsing a portion of said helix to forma torus comprising a circulating current.
 14. A compound plasmaconfiguration, comprising (i) a toroidal kernel, (ii) a vacuum fieldregion, surrounding said kernel, and (iii) a mantle, surrounding saidvacuum field region, wherein said kernel comprises hyperconductingcurrents.
 15. The compound plasma configuration of claim 14 , whereinsaid mantle comprises hyperconducting currents.
 16. The compound plasmaconfiguration of claim 14 or 15 , wherein at least one beam of electronsexits said mantle.
 17. A compound plasma configuration, produced by themethod of any one of claims 7-13.
 18. A device, comprising: means fordriving a current through a plasma, and means for producing a magneticfiled capable of inflating said plasma.
 19. A method, comprising drivinga current through a plasma and through the device of any one of claims1-6, wherein said current passes through said plurality of pins or saidannular electrode, prior to passing through said plasma.
 20. A method,comprising applying pressure to the compound plasma configuration ofclaim 63 .
 21. The method of claim 20 , wherein said compound plasmaconfiguration is prepared from a fusion fuel.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein said compound plasma configuration comprises a plasma preparedfrom boron and hydrogen.
 23. The method of claim 21 , wherein saidpressure is sufficient to a induce fusion burn in said compound plasmaconfiguration.
 24. The method of claim 23 , wherein said compression iscarried out in a sealed chamber, said compound plasma configuration issurrounded by a fluid, and heat produced by said fusion burn heats saidfluid, increasing the pressure in said chamber and thereby sustainingsaid fusion burn.
 25. The method of claim 23 , further comprisinggenerating electricity from a plasma heated by said fusion.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 , wherein said generating comprises generatingelectricity by inductive MHD.
 27. A method, comprising accelerating thecompound plasma configuration of claim 63 toward a target.
 28. Thesystem of claim 38 , further comprising an electric or magneticaccelerator.
 29. A method, comprising cutting metal with a plasmaprepared from the compound plasma configuration of claim 63 .
 30. Anengine, comprising the system of claim 38 , a chamber for compressing acompound plasma configuration formed by said device, and a nozzle forexpelling a plasma formed in said chamber.
 31. The engine of claim 30 ,further comprising an atmospheric intake, wherein said atmosphericintake delivers atmosphere to said chamber.
 32. An electric powergenerator, comprising the system of claim 38 , a chamber for compressinga compound plasma configuration formed by said device, a convertor whichgenerates electricity from a plasma formed in said chamber.
 33. Theelectric power generator of claim 32 , wherein said convertor is aninductive MHD convertor.
 34. A method for generating X-rays, comprisingdirecting a beam of electrons at a target, wherein said beam ofelectrons emanates from the compound plasma configuration of claim 63 .35. A PMK burner, comprising: a compression cylinder, a PMK formationchamber, connected to said compression cylinder for introducing a PMKinto said compression cylinder, a least one piston, moveably housed insaid compression cylinder, and a piston drive mounted for driving saidpiston so as to compress PMK in said compression cylinder.
 36. An energyconversion apparatus incorporating a PMK burner, comprising: acompression cylinder, an inductive MDH converter mounted with respect tosaid compression cylinder so as to receive energy from a PMK compressedin said compression cylinder, a least one piston, moveably housed insaid compression cylinder, and a piston drive mounted for driving saidpiston so as to compress PMK in said compression cylinder.
 37. Theenergy conversion apparatus incorporating a PMK burner of claim 36 ,further comprising a PMK formation chamber, connected to saidcompression cylinder for introducing a PMK into said compressioncylinder.
 38. A system for producing plasma structures, comprising: asource, and a driver for said source, coupled to said source.
 39. Thesystem of claim 38 , wherein said source comprises means for generatingan axial magnetic field.
 40. The system of claim 38 , wherein saidsource comprises means for generating an azimuthal magnetic field. 41.The system of claim 39 , wherein said source comprises means forgenerating an azimuthal magnetic field.
 42. The system of claim 38 ,wherein said driver is an impulse circuit.
 43. The system of claim 38 ,wherein said driver is means for generating a current, wherein a curverepresenting said current on a current versus time graph isbactrian-shaped.
 44. The system of claim 38 , wherein said driver ismeans for generating an electrical pulse.
 45. The system of claim 38 ,wherein said source comprises a helical conductor.
 46. The system ofclaim 45 , wherein said helical conductor has a helicity of 10-80°. 47.The system of claim 41 , wherein a helical conductor is both said meansfor generating an axial magnetic field, and said means for generating anazimuthal magnetic field.
 48. The system of claim 38 , wherein saidsource comprises means for generating an annular plasma.
 49. The systemof claim 41 , wherein said source further comprises means for generatingan annular plasma.
 50. A system for producing a plasma configuration,comprising: a first means for generating an annular plasma, a secondmeans for inflating said annular plasma, a third means for driving saidfirst means, and a fourth means for driving said second means.
 51. Thesystem of claim 50 , wherein said second means comprises fifth means forgenerating an axial magnetic field.
 52. The system of claim 50 , whereinsaid second means comprises sixth means for generating an azimuthalmagnetic field.
 53. The system of claim 51 , wherein said second meansfurther comprises sixth means for generating an azimuthal magneticfield.
 54. The system of claim 50 , wherein said second means forinflating said annular plasma comprises a helical conductor.
 55. Thesystem of claim 54 , wherein said helical conductor has a helicity of10-80° C.
 56. The system of claim 53 , wherein a helical conductor isboth said fifth means, and said sixth means.
 57. The system of claim 50, wherein said third means comprises an impulse circuit.
 58. The systemof claim 50 , wherein said third means comprises seventh means forgenerating a current, wherein a curve representing said current on acurrent versus time graph is bactrian-shaped.
 59. The system of claim 50, wherein said fourth means comprises an impulse circuit.
 60. The systemof claim 50 , wherein said fourth means comprises seventh means forgenerating a current, wherein a curve representing said current on acurrent versus time graph is bactrian-shaped.
 61. The system of claim 50, wherein one impulse circuit is both said third means and said fourthmeans.
 62. The system of claim 50 , wherein one seventh means forgenerating a current is both said third means and said fourth means, anda curve representing said current on a current versus time graph isbactrian-shaped.
 63. A compound plasma configuration, comprising: akernel ring, and a mantle, surrounding said kernel ring, wherein saidmantle comprises an inner region and an outer region.
 64. A compoundplasma configuration, comprising: a kernel ring, and a mantlesurrounding said kernel ring, wherein said kernel ring compriseshyperconducting currents.
 65. A compound plasma configuration,comprising: a kernel ring, and a mantle surrounding said kernel ring,wherein said mantle comprises hyperconducting currents.
 66. The compoundplasma configuration of claim 64 , wherein said mantle compriseshyperconducting currents.
 67. The compound plasma configuration of claim63 , wherein said kernel comprises hyperconducting currents.
 68. Thecompound plasma configuration of claim 67 , wherein said mantlecomprises hyperconducting currents.
 69. A method for inflating a plasma,comprising: inflating an annular plasma with a magnetic field whilemaintaining a current through said annular plasma.
 70. The method ofclaim 69 , wherein said inflating comprises forming a plasma sheath anda central channel from said annular plasma.
 71. The method of claim 70 ,wherein said inflating further comprises forming said central channelinto a helix.
 72. The method of claim 71 , wherein said inflatingfurther comprising collapsing a portion of said helix to form a toruscomprising a circulating current.
 73. The method of claim 69 , whereinsaid current is driven through said annular plasma and through anexternal circuit.
 74. The method of claim 69 , further comprising, priorto said inflating, forming said annular plasma.
 75. The method of claim74 , wherein said forming comprises driving a current through a gas. 76.The method of claim 75 , further comprising, prior to said forming,driving a prepulse current through said gas.
 77. A method for forming acompound plasma configuration, comprising: the method of claim 69 , andforming said compound plasma configuration from said inflated annularplasma.
 78. The method of claim 77 , wherein said inflating comprisesforming a plasma sheath and a central channel from said annular plasma.79. The method of claim 78 , wherein said inflating further comprisesforming said central channel into a helix.
 80. The method of claim 79 ,wherein said inflating further comprising collapsing a portion of saidhelix to form a torus comprising a circulating current.
 81. The methodof claim 77 , wherein said current is driven through said annular plasmaand through an external circuit.
 82. The method of claim 81 , whereinsaid current in said external circuit is stopped prior to the formationof said compound plasma configuration.
 83. The method of claim 77 ,further comprising accelerating said compound plasma configuration. 84.The method of claim 77 , further comprising, prior to said inflating,forming said annular plasma.
 85. The method of claim 84 , wherein saidforming comprises driving a current through a gas.
 86. The method ofclaim 85 , further comprising, prior to said forming, driving a prepulsecurrent through said gas.
 87. An inflated annular plasma, comprising: aplasma sheath, a plasma cavity, and a central channel, passing throughsaid plasma cavity, and terminating at said plasma sheath, wherein anaxial magnetic field in said central channel prevents pinch-off of saidcentral channel.
 88. The inflated annular plasma of claim 87 , whereinan azimuthal field is inside said plasma cavity.
 89. The inflatedannular plasma of claim 87 , wherein said central channel has a linearZ-pinch.
 90. The inflated annular plasma of claim 87 , wherein saidcentral channel is helically wound.
 91. The inflated annular plasma ofclaim 87 , wherein a portion of said central channel forms a plasmaring.
 92. A plasma structure source, comprising: means for generating anazimuthal magnetic field, and means for generating an axial magneticfield.
 93. An engine, comprising the system of claim 38 , and a nozzlefor expelling a compound plasma configuration formed by said system. 94.An engine, comprising the system of claim 50 , and a nozzle forexpelling a compound plasma configuration formed by said system.
 95. Thesource of claim 92 , wherein a helical conductor is both said means forgenerating an axial magnetic field, and said means for generating anazimuthal magnetic field.
 96. A plasma structure source, comprising:means for generating an annular plasma, and means for inflating saidannular plasma.
 97. The source of claim 92 , further comprising meansfor generating an annular plasma.
 98. The source of claim 96 , whereinsaid means for inflating said annular plasma comprises: means forgenerating an axial magnetic field, and means for generating anazimuthal magnetic field.
 99. The source of claim 96 , wherein saidmeans for inflating said annular plasma comprises a helical conductor.100. An inflated annular plasma produced by the process of claim 69 .101. An inflated annular plasma produced by the process of claim 71 .102. An inflated annular plasma produced by the process of claim 72 .103. A compound plasma configuration produced by the process of claim
 77. 104. A compound plasma configuration produced by the process of claim80 .
 105. A method for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compoundplasma configuration, with the system of claim 38 , comprising: drivinga current generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 106. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the system of claim 41 , comprising: driving acurrent generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 107. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the system of claim 42 , comprising: driving acurrent generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 108. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the system of claim 43 , comprising: driving acurrent generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 109. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the system of claim 46 , comprising: driving acurrent generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 110. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the system of claim 50 , comprising: driving acurrent generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 111. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the system of claim 53 , comprising: driving acurrent generated by said driver, through said source, to form saidinflated annular plasma or said compound plasma configuration.
 112. Amethod for forming an inflated annular plasma or a compound plasmaconfiguration, with the source of claim 92 , comprising: driving acurrent through said source, to form said inflated annular plasma orsaid compound plasma configuration.
 113. A method for forming aninflated annular plasma or a compound plasma configuration, with thesource of claim 96 , comprising: driving a current through said source,to form said inflated annular plasma or said compound plasmaconfiguration.
 114. A method, comprising applying pressure to thecompound plasma configuration of claim 64 .
 115. A method, comprisingapplying pressure to the compound plasma configuration of claim 65 .116. The method of claim 14 , wherein said compound plasma configurationis prepared from a fusion fuel.
 117. The method of claim 115 , whereinsaid compound plasma configuration is prepared from a fusion fuel. 118.The method of claim 114 , wherein said compound plasma configurationcomprises a plasma prepared from boron and hydrogen.
 119. The method ofclaim 115 , wherein said compound plasma configuration comprises aplasma prepared from boron and hydrogen.
 120. The method of claim 116 ,wherein said pressure is sufficient to a induce fusion burn in saidcompound plasma configuration.
 121. The method of claim 117 , whereinsaid pressure is sufficient to a induce fusion burn in said compoundplasma configuration.
 122. The system of claim 50 , further comprisingan electric or magnetic accelerator.
 123. An engine, comprising thesystem of claim 50 , a chamber for compressing a compound plasmaconfiguration formed by said system, and a nozzle for expelling a plasmaformed in said chamber.
 124. An electric power generator, comprising thesystem of claim 50 , a chamber for compressing a compound plasmaconfiguration formed by said system, a convertor which generateselectricity from a plasma formed in said chamber.
 125. A method forgenerating X-rays, comprising directing a beam of electrons at a target,wherein said beam of electrons emanates from the compound plasmaconfiguration of claim 64 .
 126. A method for generating X-rays,comprising directing a beam of electrons at a target, wherein said beamof electrons emanates from the compound plasma configuration of claim
 65. 127. An engine, comprising the system of claim 38 , a chamber forcompressing a compound plasma configuration formed by said system, and anozzle for expelling gas heated by heat generated in said chamber. 128.An engine, comprising the system of claim 50 , a chamber for compressinga compound plasma configuration formed by said system, and a nozzle forexpelling gas heated by heat generated in said chamber.